Influencer Kinnari Jain heads to Cannes for Smita Patil's 'Manthan'
The 77th Cannes Film Festival, which began on Tuesday, is experiencing a significant representation of Indian cinema this year. Mumbai-based fashion influencer and wardrobe consultant Kinnari Jain is making her first appearance at the international film festival. She's there to support Manthan, a film featuring the late actor Smita Patil. "I am absolutely thrilled to be attending the Cannes and thank the Film Heritage Foundation for this opportunity," Jain stated.
'Manthan' to be screened under Cannes Classics section
Manthan, a restored version of the 1976 film by veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, is set to be screened under the Cannes Classics section. The film, co-written by Benegal and renowned playwright Vijay Tendulkar, holds the distinction of being India's first crowd-funded movie. It was entirely financed by 500K farmers who each donated ₹2. The Gujarat-set movie won two National Film Awards in 1977 and was India's official entry for the 1976 Academy Awards in the best foreign language film category.
'Big moment': Patil's son Prateik Babbar reflects on film's screening
Actor Prateik Babbar, who departed for Cannes, expressed his profound pride at his late mother's film screening at the prestigious event. He reportedly said, "My mother is going to be celebrated. It is a big moment for me and my family." "For me specifically, it is extremely symbolic. I am a very proud son. This moment reminds me of how amazing a woman she was and how lucky I am to be her son."
'Manthan' aside, these other Indian films set to dominate Cannes
Manthan was inspired by Verghese Kurien's groundbreaking milk cooperative movement "Operation Flood." The film played a significant role in transforming India from a milk-deficient country to the world's largest milk producer. Besides Manthan, several other Indian films are making waves at Cannes. These include Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light, Sandhya Suri's Santosh, Chidananda S Naik's Sunflowers Were The First Ones to Know, Karan Kandhari's Sister Midnight, Konstantin Bojanov's Shameless, Maisam Ali's In The Retreat, and Mansi Maheshwari's Bunnyhood.
Indian actors shine on the global stage at Cannes
The Cannes Film Festival, which will continue until May 25, is also being graced by prominent Indian actors. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Sobhita Dhulipala are among those representing India on the global stage. Meanwhile, Kiara Advani will be attending the Women in Cinema Gala dinner, an event hosted by Vanity Fair that celebrates six women from around the world for their significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
